This area of I.T. is possibly just about the most sweeping & comprehensive there is. With so many advanced skill-sets to embrace, a certain amount of specialist training is really the only logical answer. Cisco & Microsoft are the two main corporations who rule this particular sector. The Network & Server software is done by Microsoft, whilst Cisco are mainly responsible for routers and switches, in other words the Network hardware. Each of the businesses have moved heavily into Security over the last decade, by commercial necessity. Another fast growing market within this field is wireless connectivity and devices. And next we come on to Hacking (legitimately) & Computer Forensics - each of which are complex & very specialised subjects in their own right, and take a great deal of practical experience and knowledge.

If you're specifically interested in 'Messaging' or 'Security', then Microsoft have speciality MCSE's on offer to handle these areas. It may be that 'CompTIA' Security+ meets your needs, so that you can move on to the CISSP - 'Certified Information Systems Security Professional'. Prior to choosing this route though you ought to be aware about the level of professional experience necessary for the CISSP. Discussing your needs with one of our industry advisors will clarify everything for you personally.

If you are planning to develop a professional career in IT, start by developing some networking expertise. Before you're confident about how a Computer functions and communicates with other PCs, anything more is probably nonsense. Assuming you possess competent user-skills, you'll find the 'CompTIA' A+ & CompTIA Network+ training programs are perfect for starters. These are covered under the CompTIA section on this web-site.

Moving on from here is often the domain of the MS MCSA or MCSE or the Cisco CCNA or CCNP, subject to whether you are pursuing the 'hardware' or 'software' end of things. That said, Microsoft has a major penetration within most network environments, and so an in-depth knowledge of their software is very relevant whatever you specialise in. You can get more qualification information on this site from the specific Microsoft & Cisco pages.

A different option would be to carry on with CompTIA accreditations for example Linux+, Security+ or Server+ and remain 'vendor-neutral', or even look at the 'CWNA' or 'CWNP' & become a specialist in 'wireless' technology.

Industry acknowledged accreditations can be gained from the suppliers and vendor-neutral companies. Many well-regarded independents are now presenting progressively more appropriate and essential accreditations. An essential knowledge of network interface-connectivity between and within networks is now becoming increasingly more important. There are right now a number of fundamental changes occurring in networking - attitudes in general are leaning towards greener I.T., and both processing-power & data storage are moving towards Cloud computing. From the financial viewpoint, 'greener' engineering must be built to be more cost effective, as well as being kinder towards the planet. The processing-power within modern computer systems is lower, which means less heat to be cooled down. Both of these together vastly cut down the electricity bill, and therefore affect a corporation's bottom line -- primarily in data centres & high-volume processing departments.

The vendor-neutral worldwide organisation 'CompTIA' now offers perhaps the most recognised & widely-respected impartial I.T. accreditations. In addition there are various other organisations, such as the 'ISC2' (abbreviated from the somewhat long-winded: International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium!) and 'CWNP' ('Certified Wireless Network Professional'). Most prominently of course are Cisco & Microsoft themselves, both providing their very own accreditation tracks. Because of the range and level of accreditation routes on offer in this field, it is a good idea to discuss this sort of career change with a professional expert. You could possibly save a great deal of time and expense, not to mention frustration and discouragement.

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